LONDON - Tickets have already sold out for this year's Hilton Foundation ball - proof that the charity sector may be on the road to recovery after suffering due to the economic downturn.

"Last year there was a marked difference in the amount of charity events being booked due to the economic downturn. Although it still has a long way to go, I am delighted that the charity sector seems to be recovering as more people are finding the funds to make donations to worthy causes," said Craig Gardner, Hilton Glasgow general manager.

Holidays to Dubai, New York and Australia, a guitar signed by Eric Clapton and a Celtic VIP package are just a few of the prizes which have been generously donated to the raffle and auction taking place at the black-tie event on September 18th 2009.

Hosted by Clyde 1's Suzie McGuire, it is hoped that this year's Hilton Foundation ball will aim to top last year's total of £86,000. Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Glasgow-based charity, the Stewart and McKenna Foundation, with the remainder allocated in grants to charities across the UK and Ireland through Hilton in the Community Foundation.

Craig continued: "The Hilton Foundation Ball is a fantastic way of raising money for deserving local charities and initiatives, and with the sponsorship of St James Wealth Place Management we are delighted to continue supporting the Stewart and McKenna Foundation."

Hilton in the Community Foundation was created in 2000 as Hilton's charity dedicated to supporting young people in the communities that Hilton serves. In 2008, the Foundation donated over £1.1m to a range of worthy causes with particular focus being given to sick, disabled and disadvantaged children. The Foundation has supported a wide range of charities in Glasgow including King's Theatre Glasgow, Children in Need Scotland and Down Syndrome West of Scotland.

The Stewart and McKenna Foundation was set-up in 2007 by Glasgow property developers, Allan Stewart and Stephen McKenna to co-ordinate the large number of charitable projects which they were supporting. Having established projects in Africa, Kenya and Malawi, the Stewart and McKenna Foundation also supports a wide range of local charities and enterprises involving young people in the West of Scotland.Allan Stewart, co-founder of the Stewart and McKenna Foundation, said: "The donation from the Foundation Ball will enable us to further our work by continuing to fund community initiatives around the world in the long term. "

For further information or to make a donation, please call Catherine Conway at Hilton Glasgow on 0141 204 5555.

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